Grady High School set to host ‘Thursday Nite Live’

The musical group “Thursday Nite Live” is bringing its unique brand of country music to Grady High School on Monday.

The group from South Plains College in Levelland, Texas, puts on a television show the first Thursday of every month featuring a wide variety of music.

In addition to the monthly show, “Thursday Nite Live” also performs special gigs, like the one in Grady.

The group is made up of students at the college. Members are from all across the southwestern United States as well as Australia and Scotland. The bands’ forte is country and bluegrass, but play rock and R&B.

Claire Dunn, a sophomore from Colorado, is in her first year with the group.

“We’re on all ends of the musical spectrum,” Dunn said. “From bluegrass to Marvin Gaye. Any genre of music you can imagine.”

Judy Sours, a fifth-grade teacher in Grady, said she heard of “Thursday Nite Live” because she knew some students who used to be a part of it.

“It’s a one-of-a-kind program,” Sours said. “I knew our kids would be interested. This is something that pre-kindergarten through high school could enjoy.”

Sours said she wanted to book the group because of its music, but also to give students at Grady something to shoot for.

“It’s a possibility that our kids might see it and decide to go there,” Sours said. “They can see that it’s possible for any of them to get up on stage.”

Dunn said each of the performers, about a dozen in all, brings something special to the table.

“Everyone has their own talent,” she said. “And we bring it together and it makes for a great show.”

Dunn said the group plays about 30 shows per semester, and traveling is her favorite part of being with the group.

“We all have a ball,” Dunn said. “You get on the bus and you get to be good friends with each other.”

Getting a spot in “Thursday Nite Live” is very competitive. Around 50 people try out each semester, including returning members, and most do not make the cut.

“You’re never guaranteed a spot,” Dunn said. “It’s very competitive. You never know who is in until after auditions. It’s a real honor to get picked.”

The junior class of Grady will be serving a brisket supper before the show at 5 p.m.

Also prior to the show, the Grady Future Farmers of America team will be honored for taking first place in regional competition and qualifying for the national competition in Indianapolis.